Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Parks.
Hi Josh, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
In 2014, I was a freshman at the University of Minnesota and played football for the Gophers. After my first year, I quit football which led me down an anxiety-filled, unstable part of my life. Luckily, I had a great support system (family, friends, coaches) that helped me overcome these challenges. Ultimately, I transferred to the University of St. Thomas, where I took my first entrepreneurial class. This class was the catalyst for the company I had in mind for 2 years, Ghostfit Apparel. As someone that was always active and constantly wore fitness/athleisure clothing, I wanted to put my spin on this industry. Even more, I wanted Ghostfit to be the vehicle that allowed me to give back.
When I started Ghostfit, I pledged that 5% of the profit would go towards mental health because I understood that most people dealing with mental health wouldn’t have the same great support system I had. When starting, I wanted Ghostfit to be a brand that genuinely excited users as they opened and first experienced the product. Our sole focus was on high-quality fabrics and comfort; to this day, our focus is clearer than ever. Comfort and quality always have and will always be our main priority.
After the first two years of selling apparel online, we saw a major hole in the market. We noticed that many large corporations didn’t have the system to distribute and quality of apparel that matched the rest of their business. In 2019, we began to service businesses by providing them with custom apparel that customers and clients were excited to wear. It connects companies and clients through a common shared interest: apparel that makes you feel and look good.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The initial struggle for us was understanding how to run a business. When I started Ghostfit at 21 years old, I had a limited (that’s being generous) understanding of business plans, finances, manufacturing, etc. An acronym that I learned early on was MVP or the minimal viable product. In context, it means rather than trying to perfect an idea, creating something with enough features to go to market. From there, you can mold and improve it as more individuals interact with it.
Like many other businesses, covid was an exciting and challenging time. I was the minimal viable product. Luckily, I threw myself in the water and learned what I needed to stay afloat. This made me look at Ghostfit and ask, “What can we get rid of that we don’t need?”. It forced us to pivot in certain areas and truly double down in areas that were working.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Ghostfit Apparel?
Ghostfit Apparel created athleisure apparel and was started in 2017. We specialize in creating high-end garments for online consumers and businesses. When Ghostfit was first created, we vowed to donate 5% of profits to those that struggle with mental health.
As a brand, we are most proud of connecting businesses and consumers authentically. We believe when two individuals are genuinely excited about a subject, that leads to the most wholesome moments. Fortunately for us, Ghostfit can provide that excitement through the comfort and quality of our garments.
What do you think about luck?
I would say luck has played a role both in business and life. To what degree? That is a hard question to answer. I know there are opportunities, good and bad, that present themselves without us looking for them. It’s how you handle those opportunities that dictate the outcome.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ghostfitapparel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ghostfitclothing/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ghostfitapparel/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ghostfit_apparel
Image Credits
Hector Cortes
